USMNT Starting XI: Christian Pulisic's status uncertain, Matt Freese could lock top goalkeeper spot and Weston McKennie returns for friendly against Ecuador

Pochettino could go with the returning Matt Turner, it just depends on what message he wants to send. If Turner starts, it's a clear indication that the goalkeeping race is back on and that Freese isn't, in fact, the defacto leader. If Freese starts, it's a show of confidence in the NYCFC shotstopper that he's the guy - at least for now.

Given the need to keep building Freese, it makes the most sense to roll with him and continue giving him the confidence and minutes needed to be a No. 1. Turner, then, could start then start next week against Australia, if  Pochettino desires.

There were already concerns about throwing Robinson in here given his recent injury history, but realistically, if he was to play minutes in either game, this would have made the most sense. He could then have more than a week to properly gear up for Fulham's match at Arsenal, keeping him on a one-game-per-week cadence as he builds back to fitness. 

However, Robinson didn't work with the team in the final pre-game training session. As a result, don't expect Pochettino to risk him. Give Arfsten the minutes and see what happens for the match against Australia next Tuesday.

The most likely candidate to wear the captain's armband on Friday, Ream can once again start in one of those outside centerback spots in the back three. It's a great system for him, in truth, as it takes advantage of his passing and game-reading abilities while helping mask some of the miles that have been put on his legs over the years.

Pochettino could, of course, mix things up with a younger option in this spot, but it's worth putting at least one more game of Ream in a back three on film before trying out other options. In that sense, it might as well be the tougher game of the two.

No need to over-explain this one. Richards is, quite possibly, the USMNT's most irreplaceable player. He's made himself a locked-in starter, whether that's in a back two or three. It would be surprising to see anyone else Richards anywhere else but in the starting XI on Friday.

After missing out on September camp, McKenzie could leap right back into the XI and, if all goes well, he could stay there. The Toulouse defender regularly plays in a back three on the club level, which makes him perfectly equipped to be the third man alongside Richards and Ream.

He, of course, will need to seize his chance to be just that. If not, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Miles Robinson are waiting in the wings for their chances, too.

With no Sergino Dest, that leaves two primary options: Tim Weah or Freeman. Weah should see minutes this camp, particularly at wingback. This is a good opportunity, though, to build Freeman's confidence and show some faith in a player who is on the precipice of a breakout.

The Orlando City star is young. He's also inexperienced. This test is more important for him, then, than it is for Weah. Let him have this game and then let Weah take the second.

A big test for the Juventus star, who comes in with a point to prove. After missing out on both the Gold Cup and the September camp, McKennie presumably heard Pochettino's message from earlier this week loud and clear: past achievements are no longer relevant, and all that matters is what you do now.

That makes this game, then, a good place for McKennie to issue a reminder of how good he is. He's a uniquely talented player in this player pool and, even with his running mate, Tyler Adams, out, Friday is a good chance to remind everyone of that fact.

Another midfielder that could certainly stake a claim for a spot, Tessmann enters USMNT camp in incredible form. The big question, as always, is how that form translated from Lyon to the international stage.

Tessmann has seemingly improved on the defensive side of the ball. His athleticism and size are assets and his abilities on the ball have always been solid. Can he put it all together this camp? If so, he's a contender to start going forward.

Let's see if the breakout star of the Gold Cup can bring it with the A-team. Given the pieces around him, Tillman could thrive with this squad as long as he brings his Gold Cup form.

To do that, though, he'll have to remember that he's a big fish, one more than capable of swimming in this attacking pond. Tillman's rise is a key storyline to watch. If he can assert himself as a true star in the attack, the U.S. goes up a level.

This would normally be Pulisic's spot but, after Pochettino announced that he missed training, it seems logical that the USMNT would take things easy.

Pulisic is the guy, after all, and Pochettino has said multiple times that he plans on protecting him. It would seem risky to put him out against Ecuador, and it is perhaps more cautious to wait until the Australia match.

With Zendejas also dealing with an injury, that likely leaves Luna as the starter. It's a good chance for him, then, to continue to advance his own USMNT career.

Last camp was a perfect example of what Balogun adds to a team. His pace keeps teams honest. His timing opens doors for those around him. And then, most importantly, his finish leads to goals. The USMNT could use a few of those on Friday.

With Ricardo Pepi still out with injury, Balogun is on a different level than the other strikers at the moment. Haji Wright and Patrick Agyemang are good options, sure, but, right now, this is Balogun's chance to demonstrate, once again, why he can be the guy at the World Cup.